Alberta moving industry slows down as troubles in the oilpatch deepen
CALGARY — Amid the dozens of Calgarians posting online moving sale ads in the aftermath of the oil price crash, Lora and Danny Major’s story is typical, even if their relocation destination isn’t.
Next month, the couple plans to move with their three preteen children to Cuenca, Ecuador. Until that moment arrives, they’ll be selling almost everything they own in garage sales and leaving an uncertain future in the oilpatch.
Lora, 37, says the idea of moving overseas grew out of a “cyclical conversation” since Danny, 38, was laid off last October from his job as a process engineer for a major oilsands producer. He found employment with an engineering/design firm soon after, but hasn’t been happy with a job he says is less challenging, more stressful and offers fewer benefits.
“He said, ‘Well, someone’s got to pay for this house,’” recalls Lora, who trained as a biomedical engineer but has been home with the children since the family moved from Edmonton eight years ago.